I have had bad experiences ordering pets online because it's so hard to know exactly what you're getting and some sellers just don't care to be reputable. When I first opened the package I was nervous because it looked like a brown fish not the vibrant black with yellow spots the golden nugget pleco is known for. After a few days the pleco got more comfortable and his true colors started to show. He went from a muted dark brown with light brown spots to black and yellow. It was marvelous to see he was really beautifully all along. He is a true gem in our tank And I'm glad I took a chance on this company. He is a little shy but warming up and I love getting to see him a little more and more everyday.